2012 buick regal Model Overview

Sum Up

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The re-introduction of the Buick Regal to the model lineup for the 2011 models caused quite a stir. Gone was the traditional four-door sedan that was more focused on the comfort of the ride than anything else. In its place, a sleeker midsize sports sedan appeared, and this is what continues on for the 2012 Buick Regal models.

When Buick launched the new and updated Regal, the marketing was targeted at the import sport sedans; and with the introduction of the new GS model for the 2012 Buick Regal, this target draws closer. With three different models to choose from, plus the addition of a hybrid version that contains the eAssist hybrid engine, there are plenty of options for drivers looking for an American version of the European sports sedans.

New For 2012

Later in the 2012 model year, GM’s eAssist (the base engine in the 2012 LaCrosse) will become available on the Regal, bringing highway mileage to just below 40 mpg. The Regal GS arrives with tweaks to the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder to increase power over the CXL model by 50 hp and 35 lb-ft, and includes a 6M standard.

Exterior

The 2012 Buick Regal is basically the American version of the Opel Insignia sold by GM globally, meaning that the midsize sedan is more compact and a lot sleeker than cars produced by Buick in the past. The Buick signature waterfall grille adorns the front of the four-door sedan, but the lower profile and lines of the car make it seem a lot more aggressive than other Buick cars. The wheels have been moved to the outer corners of the sedan, and the entire body has been lowered to enhance the sporty attitude marketed by Buick.

The sheet metal of the 2012 Buick Regal has been sculpted with a side scallop running the length of the car from the front door to the rear. Its dynamic shape continues with the short rear deck and integrated rear spoiler on the trunk of the sedan. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, while 19-inch wheels are available, as are 20-inch wheels for the 2012 Buick Regal GS model.

Interior & Cargo

While the interior of the 2012 Buick Regal has some of the same parts as the Buick LaCrosse, the sweeping design of the dash and the choice of finishes definitely gives it a more modern and European feel. The four-door sedan seats up to five passengers, although those in the rear may find it cramped for three adults. The front seats are plush and provide plenty of support for passengers, making longer drives comfortable. The rear bench seat may feel a bit hard and uncomfortable for the longer haul, plus the sloping roofline at the rear can hamper headroom as well as visibility for the driver.

A new touchscreen has been added to the 2012 Buick Regal, which alleviates some of the confusion amongst the many similar looking controls. Unfortunately, the touchscreen is for the navigation system, so the audio system controls on the center stack may still seem cluttered to some. Other standard features included in the 2012 Buick Regal are full power accessories, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a split-folding rear seat, and an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod/USB port. Moving to the higher trim lines means that keyless ignition and entry, remote start, and an upgraded audio system are just some of the options available.

Driving Experience

The base engine for the 2012 Buick Regal is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that provides 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The turbo models of the 2012 Buick Regal are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, although a six-speed manual transmission is available. It produces 220 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 2012 Buick Regal GS has the same turbocharged engine as the turbo models, but it has an additional turbo boost that produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In the GS model, the six-speed manual transmission is standard, and the automatic is optional.

The range of engines available means that different drivers will enjoy driving the 2012 Buick Regal. The 2.4-liter engine produced a smooth and refined drive, although some may find steering a bit unresponsive. Stepping up to the turbocharged engines means a steep increase in the power available. Not only is the additional power and acceleration apparent with the turbo engine, but the steering feels more precise. The GS model increases the power again, and also comes with a stiffer suspension, leading to even better handling and performance.

Key Competitors For The 2012 Buick Regal

2012 Buick Regal Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$27,055

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$10,725

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2014-07-23

Description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Units Affected

414333

Recall ID#13V173000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Consequence

If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.

Recall Date

2013-05-06

Description

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.

Remedy

GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.

Units Affected

42904

Recall ID#12V484000 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Consequence

If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2012-10-04

Description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Remedy

GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.

Units Affected

120426

Recall ID#12V093000 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Consequence

INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Recall Date

2012-03-07

Description

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BUICK REGAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2011, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, THE PARKING LAMPS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN EITHER THE PARKING LAMPS OR HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED ON.

Remedy

GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM AT 1-800-521-7300.

2012 Buick Regal News and Reviews

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